Below we have three photographs that show both continuity and change in the landscape. Although from different angles, the photos are all of the same location, taken years apart. The first photo was taken sometime around 1970, before the founding of the arboretum. The last two photos were taken in 2011 and 2021.
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| This photograph is courtesy of the Centenary College of Louisiana Archives. An exact date is unavailable; an approximate date is 1970. We see a crooked sidewalk flanked by two large tree trunks, framing a female figure walking on a pedestrian bridge. The overexposed look of the photograph suggests that strong sun rays were bouncing off the bridge and the surrounding vegetation. Can you tell where on campus this photo was taken? This view can be found between the Student Union Building and Mickle Hall. Today, we still have a pedestrian bridge between the two buildings, but a lot has changed in the past 50 years. |
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| In the spring of 2011, a local Highland resident snapped this photo of the pedestrian bridge between the Student Union Building and Mickle Hall. The railings of the bridge have changed since 1970. Was the deck replaced as well? To the left of the bridge, we do not see the large on-site native oak tree; it has been replaced by a volunteer Louisiana palmetto. Much of the landscape is obscured by vegetation, and maturing, water-loving trees shade more than half of the bridge. |
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| Today, a decade later, we have yet another look at this pedestrian thoroughfare. We see the same crook in the sidewalk and the ascending concrete steps, and the woodwork hasn't changed since 2011. More of the bridge's structure is visible due to the absent Louisiana Palmetto. Also, if you look closely, you might be able to see the new lights that were installed along the railing. |
